Devices and methods for making devices for supporting a propulsor on a marine vessel

ABSTRACT

A device for supporting a propulsor on a marine vessel. The device includes a base that is fixable to the marine vessel and a pivot arm for coupling the propulsor to the base. An actuator is configured to pivot the pivot arm relative to the base into and between a retracted position and a deployed position. A fastener is engageable to couple the actuator to the pivot arm, where when the fastener is engaged the pivot arm is prevented from pivoting other than by the actuator, and where applying a predetermined force on the pivot arm disengages the fastener to allow the pivot arm to pivot other than by the actuator.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 17/185,289, filed Feb. 25, 2021, which is incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to stowable propulsors formarine vessels.

BACKGROUND

The following U.S. patents provide background information and are herebyincorporated by reference in entirety.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,142,841 discloses a maneuvering control system whichutilizes pressurized liquid at three or more positions of a marinevessel to selectively create thrust that moves the marine vessel intodesired locations and according to chosen movements. A source ofpressurized liquid, such as a pump or a jet pump propulsion device, isconnected to a plurality of distribution conduits which, in turn, areconnected to a plurality of outlet conduits. The outlet conduits aremounted to the hull of the vessel and direct streams of liquid away fromthe vessel for purposes of creating thrusts which move the vessel asdesired. A liquid distribution controller is provided which enables avessel operator to use a joystick to selectively compress and dilate thedistribution conduits to orchestrate the streams of water in a mannerwhich will maneuver the marine vessel as desired.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,150,662 discloses a docking system for a watercraft anda propulsion assembly therefor wherein the docking system comprises aplurality of the propulsion assemblies and wherein each propulsionassembly includes a motor and propeller assembly provided on the distalend of a steering column and each of the propulsion assemblies isattachable in an operating position such that the motor and propellerassembly thereof will extend into the water and can be turned forsteering the watercraft.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,305,928 discloses a vessel positioning system whichmaneuvers a marine vessel in such a way that the vessel maintains itsglobal position and heading in accordance with a desired position andheading selected by the operator of the marine vessel. When used inconjunction with a joystick, the operator of the marine vessel can placethe system in a station keeping enabled mode and the system thenmaintains the desired position obtained upon the initial change in thejoystick from an active mode to an inactive mode. In this way, theoperator can selectively maneuver the marine vessel manually and, whenthe joystick is released, the vessel will maintain the position in whichit was at the instant the operator stopped maneuvering it with thejoystick.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,753,745 discloses status indicators for use with awatercraft propulsion device. An example indicator includes a lightoperatively coupled to a propulsion device of a watercraft, wherein anoperation of the light indicates a status of a thruster system of thepropulsion device.

U.S. Pat. No. RE39032 discloses a multipurpose control mechanism whichallows the operator of a marine vessel to use the mechanism as both astandard throttle and gear selection device and, alternatively, as amulti-axes joystick command device. The control mechanism comprises abase portion and a lever that is movable relative to the base portionalong with a distal member that is attached to the lever for rotationabout a central axis of the lever. A primary control signal is providedby the multipurpose control mechanism when the marine vessel is operatedin a first mode in which the control signal provides informationrelating to engine speed and gear selection. The mechanism can alsooperate in a second or docking mode and provide first, second, and thirdsecondary control signals relating to desired maneuvers of the marinevessel.

European Patent Application No. EP 1,914,161, European PatentApplication No. EP2,757,037, and Japanese Patent Application No.JP2013100013A also provide background information and are herebyincorporated by reference in entirety.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that arefurther described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is notintended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subjectmatter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope ofthe claimed subject matter.

The present disclosure generally relates to a device for supporting apropulsor on a marine vessel. The device includes a base that is fixableto the marine vessel and a pivot arm for coupling the propulsor to thebase. An actuator is configured to pivot the pivot arm relative to thebase into and between a retracted position and a deployed position. Afastener is engageable to couple the actuator to the pivot arm, wherewhen the fastener is engaged the pivot arm is prevented from pivotingother than by the actuator, and where applying a predetermined force onthe pivot arm disengages the fastener to allow the pivot arm to pivotother than by the actuator.

The present disclosure generally relates to a method for making a devicefor supporting a propulsor on a marine vessel. The method includesconfiguring a base for coupling to the marine vessel, and pivotallycoupling the propulsor to the base via a pivot arm. The method furtherincludes coupling an actuator to pivot the pivot arm relative to thebase into and between a stowed position and a deployed position, andpositioning a fastener to be engageable to couple the actuator to thepivot arm, where when the fastener is engaged the pivot arm is preventedfrom pivoting other than by the actuator, and where applying apredetermined force on the pivot arm disengages the fastener to allowthe pivot arm to pivot other than by the actuator.

In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, a base isconfigured to be coupled to the marine vessel and defines an axleopening therein. an axle is configured to be received in the axleopening of the base. Two forks each extend between a neck and anopposing fork segment, where one of the two forks is an actuation fork,and where the opposing fork segments of the actuation fork are pivotallycoupled to the base via the axle. The opposing fork segments of theactuator fork each have upper and lower edges with an opening is definedthrough each of the opposing fork segments that is open at the loweredges corresponding thereto. A shaft has a propulsor configured thereto,where the shaft is movable into and between a locked and a deployedposition with a stowed position therebetween. The propulsor isconfigured to propel the marine vessel in water when the shaft is in thedeployed position. An actuator is pivotally coupled to the base, wherethe actuator is a linear actuator, and where the engagement arm issandwiched between the opposing fork segments and the actuator. Opposingengagement arms are pivotally coupled to the base via the axle, theopposing engagement arms also being pivotally coupled to the actuator. Afastener is engageable to couple the actuator to the actuation fork,where when the fastener is engaged the actuator prevents the shaft frombeing moved manually, and where applying a predetermined force on theshaft disengages the fastener to allow the shaft to be moved manually.

Various other features, objects and advantages of the disclosure will bemade apparent from the following description taken together with thedrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is described with reference to the followingdrawings.

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of marine vessel incorporating adevice according to the present disclosure with a pivot arm in a stowedposition;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the device of FIG.1 with a cowlingremoved;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a left view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 shown in a fullydeployed position;

FIG. 5 is a right, front perspective view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 4;

FIG. 6 depicts the embodiment of FIG. 5 with an actuator disengaged;

FIG. 7. depicts the embodiment of FIG. 6 with the pivot arm shownfurther rotated towards a locked position;

FIG. 8 depicts the embodiment of FIG. 7 in the locked position; and

FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary control system for determining a position ofthe pivot arm according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to propulsion devices formarine vessels, and particularly those having propulsors movable betweenstowed and deployed positions. The present inventors have recognizedproblems with propulsion devices presently known in the art, including arisk of damage when the propulsor strikes an underwater object such as alog. These underwater impacts can cause damage to actuators (e.g., thosethat move the propulsor between the deployed and stowed positions) andother components within the propulsion device more generally.Additionally, the inventors have recognized that propulsors movablebetween stowed and deployed positions as presently known in the art donot provide a fail-safe for when the actuator fails. In other words,propulsion devices presently known in the art do not offer operators amechanism for manually moving the propulsor when the actuator isinoperable, for example due to damage or power loss.

FIG. 1 depicts a propulsion device 10 according to the presentdisclosure, here shown coupled to a marine vessel 1. The marine vessel 1extends between a bow and a stern 2, as well as between port andstarboard sides. The marine vessel 1 has pontoons 5 attached to anunderside 4 of a deck 3 in a customary manner. The propulsion device 10has a base 20 that is coupled to the underside 4 of the deck 3 behindthe back 6 of one of the pontoons 5. This positioning shields thepropulsion device 10 from water turbulence when the marine vessel 1 ispropelled forward other than by the propulsion device 10 (such as anoutboard motor as presently known in the art).

As will be discussed further below, the propulsion device 10 includes ashaft 170 with a propulsor 160 coupled thereto. The shaft 170 andpropulsor 160 are movable between a stowed position as presently shownand a deployed position (see FIG. 4). The shaft 170 is movable within aplane AP and the propulsor 160 is configured to propel the marine vessel1 in the water in the port-starboard direction PS when in the deployedposition. The propulsor 160 generates a thrust force for moving themarine vessel 1 via rotation of a propeller 168 about a propeller shaftaxis PPA in a customary manner (e.g., rotated by an electric motorcontained within the body of the propulsor 160 and powered by a batteryor other power source). However, it should be recognized that othertypes of propulsors are also contemplated by the present disclosure,including jet drives or impellers, for example.

The propulsion device 10 of FIG. 1 further includes a cowling 140 formedby two side panels 142. The side panels 142 each extend between a top144 and a bottom 146, a front 148 and a back 150, and an outside surface150 opposite an inside surface (not numbered). Openings 154 are definedwithin the side panels 142 for anchoring the side panels 142 in thepositions shown. By way of non-limiting example, a fastener such as ascrew or bolt may be inserted through the openings 154 and threaded intoa corresponding opening (not shown) in the base 20 of the propulsiondevice 10, which is partially obscured by the cowling 140. A shaftopening 156 is defined between the side panels 142 of the cowling 140when assembled, allowing the shaft 170 to move between the stowed anddeployed positions without interference by the cowling 140.

FIG. 2 shows an opposing rear view of the propulsion device 10 of FIG. 1with the cowling 140 removed. As previously discussed, the propulsiondevice 10 is coupled to the marine vessel 1 via a base 20. The base 20extends between a top 22 and a bottom 24, a front 26 and a back 28, anda left 30 and a right 32. The base 20 generally divided into a firstportion 34 and a second portion100. The first portion 34 includes amounting bracket 36 having a top 38 and a bottom 40, as well as aC-channel 48 extending downwardly from the top 38 that runs from thefront 26 to the back 28 of the base 20. Openings 50 are provided throughthe mounting bracket 36 for coupling the first portion 34 to the marinevessel 1, for example via fasteners such as nuts and bolts or screws.

The mounting bracket 36 is configured to receive and support a carriage60 therein. The carriage 60 extends between a top 62 and a bottom 64with sides 70 therebetween configured to correspond with the C-channels48 of the mounting bracket 36. The carriage 60 is received within theopposing C-channels 48 by inserting from the back 34 of the mountingbracket 36. A back 68 of the carriage 60 need not be received within themounting bracket 36.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, side extensions 71 extend downwardlyfrom the top 62 of the carriage 60. A bracket 78 couples the carriage 60to the second portion 100 of the base 20. In particular, openings aredefined through the bracket 78 through which fasteners 74 may extend tocouple the bracket 78 to the carriage 60 (here via the side extensions71) and to the second portion 100. In this manner, the second portion100 is slidable with the carriage 60 within the mounting bracket 36.

The second portion 100 extends between a top 102 and a bottom 104, afront 106 and a back 108, and sides 110 therebetween. The second portion100 has a front plate 112 with side extensions 122 that extendrearwardly therefrom. A shackle plate 114 having arms 116 is coupled tofront plate 112 via methods presently known in the art, such as usingfasteners, welds, and/or rivets. An axle opening 124, pin opening 128,and lock opening 129 are defined within the side extension 122, asdiscussed further below. The terms “axle,” “pin,” and “lock” withrespect to the openings described above are used to distinguish betweenthese features and are non-limiting on the components configured to bereceived therein.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the propulsion device 10 includes ashaft 170 that extends between a first end 172 and second end 174defining a length access LA1 therebetween. The propulsor 160 is coupledto the second end 174 of the shaft 170, particularly at an extensioncollar 166 extending from a body 164 of the propulsor 160. Power andcommunication are provided to propulsor 160 by a wire extending throughthe shaft 170. The wire (not expressly shown) exits the shaft 170through a wire gasket 176 positioned at the first end 172, whichprevents water and debris ingress into the shaft 170.

A pivot arm 180 extends between a neck at a first end 182 and a secondend 184, defining a length axis LA2 therebetween. The pivot arm 180 ispivotally coupled to a first location 304 on the shaft 170 via a clamp190 defining openings 191 therein. The first end 182 of the pivot arm180 is coupled to the clamp 190 via a fastener that extends through theopening 191 in the clamp and an opening 196 at the first end 182, shownhere as a bolt 192 and nut 194. It should be recognized that other typesof fasteners are also anticipated by the present disclosure, includingaxles, pins, and/or the like.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the pivot arm 180 dividesinto opposing fork segments 200 as the pivot arm 180 extends from thefirst end 182 to the second end 184. The opposing fork segments 200 eachhave an upper edge 206 and a lower edge 208. An opening 210 is providedthrough the opposing fork segments 200, here open to the lower edges 208thereof. Barrels 202 extend outwardly from each of the opposing forksegments 200 at the second end 184 of the pivot arm 180 with openings204 provided at least partially into the barrels 202 (shown here toextend entirely therethrough).

The openings 204 are configured to receive an axle 310 therein ortherethrough. The axle 310 shown extends linearly between opposing ends312 (FIG. 3) with a pair of outer grooves 314 recessed into the axle 310near to the opposing ends 312, and inner grooves 318 also recessed intothe axle 310 closer to a midpoint thereof. The pivot arm 180 ispivotally coupled to the base 20 via the axle 310 extending through theaxle opening 124 in the base 20 as well as through the openings 204 andthe opposing fork segments 200. The axle 310 is axially retained withinthe base 20 via retaining rings 315 received within the outer grooves314.

The propulsion device 10 or FIGS. 2 and 3 also includes a secondary arm220 extending from a neck at a first end 222 to a second end 224defining a length axis LA3 therebetween. An opening 234 is definedwithin the first end 222 of the secondary arm 220. The secondary arm 220is coupled to a second location 306 of the shaft 170 via a clamp 228 ina similar manner to the clamp 190 discussed above. A bolt 230 isreceived through the opening 234 in the first end 222 and through andopening 229 in the clamp 228, which is threadedly engaged with a nut232. However, it should be recognized that other types of fasteners mayalso be used to couple the secondary arm 220 to the shaft 170, includingcotter pins, press-fit pins, rivets, and/or other commercially availablehardware.

Similar to the pivot arm 180, the secondary arm 220 divides between thefirst end 222 to the second end 224 into opposing fork segments 240 eachdefining an opening 242 at the second end 224. However, it should berecognized that the present disclosure also contemplates pivot arms 180and/or secondary arms 220 that do not divide at the corresponding secondends 184, 224 into opposing fork segments 200, 240, respectively. Thesecondary arm 220 is pivotally coupled to the base 20 via fastenersreceived through the pin opening 128 in the base 20 and through theopenings 242 in the opposing fork segments 240, shown here as a pin 244defining a groove 245 therein for receiving a retaining ring 246 similarto the axle 310. As discussed above, fasteners other than pins are alsocontemplated by the present disclosure, including nuts and bolts,rivets, and/or the like.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the propulsion device 10further includes an actuator 280 that extends from a mounting tab at afirst end 292 to a second end 284. The actuator 280 presently shown is alinear actuator having a housing 290 with a rod 300 that extends andretracts therefrom along a length axis LA4. An opening 294 is providedat the first end 292 the actuator 280 and is configured to receive afastener 115 therethrough (FIG. 2) to pivotally couple the actuator 280to the shackle plate 114 of the base 20. Similarly an opening 302 isprovided within the rod 300 at the second end 284 of the actuator 280.In this manner, the distance between the first end 292 and second end284 in the actuator 280 varies via actuation of the actuator 280, whichis discussed below causes movement of the shaft 170 between the stowedand deployed position.

The shaft 170 attached to the propulsor 160 is removably coupled to theactuator 280 via a fastener engageable between the actuator 280 and thepivot arm 180. The fastener, shown here as shaft 320, extends betweenopposing ends 322 with grooves 324 recessed into the shaft 320. Theshaft 320 extends through the opening 302 in the rod 300 of the actuator280, shown here to extend perpendicularly from the length axis LA4thereof. As shown in FIG. 2, the shaft 320 is received within theopening 210 in the opposing fork segments 200 of the pivot arm 180. Incertain embodiments, the shaft 320 has a press-fit arrangement with theopening 210 such that moving the shaft 320 from the lower edge 208 tothe upper edge 206 of the opposing fork segments 200 causes the shaft320 to be seated within the opening 210.

The press-fit arrangement is further shown in FIG. 6, whereby the shaft320 has a diameter D3 that generally corresponds to a diameter D1 of theopening 210 nearest the upper edge 206 of the pivot arm 180, but theshaft 320 must first pass through a narrowed diameter D2 of the opening210 when moving upwardly from the lower edge 208. This configurationprovides that the actuator 280 prevents the shaft 170 from being movedmanually when the shaft 320 is engaged within the opening 210 in thispress-fit arrangement, but the shaft 320 can be disengaged from theopening 210 by applying a pre-determined force separating the shaft 320from the pivot arm 180, as discussed further below.

A shown in FIG. 3, the propulsion device 10 further includes anengagement arm 330 that extends from a first end 332 to a second end 334forming a length axis LA5 therebetween. In the embodiment shown, theengagement arm 330 includes opposing engagement members 336 coupled by abase 338. However, it should be recognize that configurations ofengagement arms 330 having greater or fewer engagement members are alsocontemplated by the present disclosure, including having a singleengagement arm. Openings 340 are provided near the second end 334 of theopposing engagement members 336, as well as openings 342 near the firstend 332. The openings 340 near the second end 334 are configured toreceive the axle 310 therethrough, whereby the axle 310 also extendsthrough the openings 210 in the opposing fork segments 240 of the pivotarm 180 as discussed above. Retaining clips 319 are received within theinner grooves 318 of the axle 310 to maintain the axial position of theengagement arm 330 relative to the axle 310. The engagement arm 330 isapproximately centered along the length of the axle 310 such that theopposing engagement arms 336 of the engagement arm 330 are sandwichedbetween the rod 300 and the actuator 280 and the opposing fork segments200 of the pivot arm 180.

Similarly, the shaft 320 discussed above is received through theopenings 342 in the first ends 332 of the opposing engagement members336. The opposing engagement member 336 are again retained in axialposition relative to the shaft 320 via engagement of retaining rings 326within the grooves 324 recessed into the shaft 320. In this manner, theengagement arm 330 is pivotable at its second end 334 relative to thebase 20, and also pivotally coupled to the rod 300 of the actuator 280such that actuation of the actuator 280 causes pivoting of theengagement arm 330. This ensures that the shaft 320 follows an arc aboutthe axle 310 to ensure alignment between the shaft 320 and the opening210 in the opposing fork segments 200 of the pivot arm 180.

FIGS. 4 and 5 shows the propulsion device 10 in a fully deployedposition, whereby the actuator 280 has extended the rod 300 away fromthe housing 290, and whereby engagement of the shaft 320 between the rod300 and the pivot arm 180 causes pivoting of the pivot arm 180 and,consequently, movement of the shaft 170. In the embodiment shown, thepropulsor 160 is configured to propel the marine vessel 1 in theport-starboard direction PS.

In contrast, FIG. 6 depicts the propulsion device 10 after a force hasbeen imparted on the propulsor 160 and/or the shaft 170 (directly orindirectly), for example as may occur during a collision with anunderwater object. In particular, the force has exceeded thepredetermined force (e.g., towards the stowed direction, or in otherwords moving the pivot arm 180 away from the rod 300 of the actuator280), forcing the shaft 320 out of engagement within the opening 120. Incertain embodiments, the predetermined force to disengage the shaft 320from the opening 120 is selected such that the propulsor 160 remainsdown at approximately 6 mph of forward travel for the marine vessel 1.In other words, the predetermined force is sufficiently high to preventunintentional disengagement of the shaft 320 under normal operatorconditions. It should be recognized that the engagement arm 330 remainscoupled to both the base 20 and the shaft 320. However, since the shaft320 is no longer positioned within the opening 210 in the pivot arm 180,the actuator 280 is no longer coupled to the pivot arm 180.

In this manner, the presently disclosed propulsion device 10 providesthat the actuator 280 automatically disengages with the shaft 170 in theevent of a forward impact strike, thereby preventing harm to theactuator 280 or other components of the propulsion device 10.

As shown in FIG. 7, the presently disclosed propulsion device 10 alsoprovides for manual disengagement of the actuator 280. The presentinventors have recognized that manual disengagement is advantageous whentrailering the marine vessel 1 such that vibrations of the shaft 170 andpropulsor 160 do not cause strain on the actuator 280. As discussedabove, the present inventors have further identified a need to manuallylock the propulsion device 10 in a locked position when the actuator 280is disengaged such that the shaft 170 is not free to move aboutunconstrained.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 7, the propulsion device 10 includes adetent 254 configured to resist and/or slow movement of the shaft 170 asit approaches the locked position of FIG. 7. In particular, thesecondary arm 220 includes a detent extension 250, whereby the detent254 is coupled to the detent extension 250 such that a tip 258 of thedetent 254 extends to an opening 252 therein. Similarly, a recess 259 isformed within the rearward edge of the side extensions 122 of the base20. The recess 259 guides the tip 258 of the detent 254 as contact ismade between the tip 258 and the base 20. The detent 254 providesresistance in further rotation of the shaft 170 beyond initial contactby the tip 258, slowing and/or preventing accidental rotation into thelocked position (for example by virtue of an impact strike, rather thandeliberately locking the propulsion device 10).

With continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 7, the secondary arm 220 alsoincludes a lock extension 260 provided near the second end 224 of thesecondary arm 220. In the embodiment shown, the lock extension 260includes a rounded edge 262, which ensures clearance between the lockextension and the front plate 112 of the base 20 while rotating thesecondary arm 220 between the locked, deployed, and stowed positions. Anopening 264 is provided within the lock extension 260, which isconfigured to receive a detent pin 270 therethrough. The detent pin 270extends between a head and a tip 274 (FIG. 3) with a groove 276 recessedinto the detent pin 270 therebetween. In particular, from the head 272to the tip 274, the detent pin 270 is received through the opening 264in the lock extension 260, then extending through a spring 275, a washer278, and retaining ring 279 that engages with the groove 276 defined inthe detent pin 270.

In this manner, the spring 275 biases the tip 274 outwardly (i.e., awayfrom the secondary arm 220) towards the base 20. As shown in FIG. 7, asthe shaft 170 is moved, the secondary arm 220 and lock extension 260thereof rotate. Once the secondary arm 220 reaches the locked position(as shown in FIG. 8), the detent pin 270 is aligned with the lockopening 129 in the side extension 122 of the base 20. The detent pin 270is then forced to extend through the lock opening 129 by the spring 275,pivotally locking the secondary arm 220 relative to the base 20 and thusrendering the shaft 170 immobile. The present inventors have recognizedthe present design is particularly advantageous in that in allows theoperator to manually disengage the actuator 280 and lock the propulsiondevice 10 in the locked position with a single motion, and requiringonly one hand. This feature is particularly beneficial is the actuator280 malfunctions. It should be recognized that once the operator desiresto unlock the propulsion device 10, the detent pin 270 may be forcedinwardly, allowing the secondary arm 220 to once again pivot such thatthe detent pin 270 no longer aligns with the lock opening 129. It shouldbe recognized that the present disclosure also contemplates the detentpin 270 preventing rotation of the secondary arm 220 in other manners.For example, the detent pin 270 may be oriented to extend inwardly fromthe side extension 122 to engage with the secondary arm 220 or lockextension 260 thereof (e.g., within an opening defined therein). In thisexample, the detent pin 270 may be provided at the end of aspring-loaded handle such that the detent pin 270 is released by pullingaway from the side extension 122 rather than pressing inwardly as shownin FIG. 7.

Returning to FIGS. 2 and 3, one of the opposing fork segments 240 isrotatably coupled to the base 20 via a position sensor 344 rather than apin 244 as previously discussed for the other one of the opposing forksegments 240. The position sensor 344 has a body 346 with a rotatingshaft 350 extending therefrom. The body 346 is attached to the base 20via fasteners 348, such as bolts, screws, welds, rivets, or othermethods known in the arts. Threads 352 are provided at the end of therotating shaft 350, whereby after the rotating shaft 350 is receivedthrough the opening 242 in the opposing fork segment 240, a nut 354 isengaged with the threads 352 to retain the secondary arm 220 on the base20. Exemplary sensors usable as the position sensor 344 include trimsensors known in the art, for example the trim sensor of the MercurySeaPro 150HP (Mercury part number 8M0168637). The position sensor 344 isconfigured to detect the position of the secondary arm 220 and thus toinfer the position of the propulsor 160 based on the rotational positionof the rotating shaft 170. The position of the secondary arm 220 canthen be used to infer (e.g., via communication with the control systemCS100 of FIG. 9) the position of the shaft 170 and propulsor 160, suchas to inform the operator when the propulsor 160 is in the stowedposition (FIG. 2), deployed position (FIG. 4), a lock position (FIG. 8)to be discussed further below, and any position therebetween.

FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary control system 600 for detecting theposition of the shaft 170 via the position sensor 344 discussed above(e.g., within and between stowed, deployed, and locked positions), asdiscussed above. The control system 600 may provide feedback to theoperator regarding detected position of the shaft 170, such as audibleand/or visible feedback via a graphical user interface and/or othergauge at the helm of the marine vessel. The control system 600communicates with the position sensor 344 via a communication link CL,which can be any wired or wireless link. In one example, thecommunication link CL is a controller area network (CAN) bus; however,other types of links could be used.

The control system 600 of FIG. 9 may be a computing system that includesa processing system 610, memory system 620, and input/output (I/O)system 630 for communicating with other devices, such as input devices599 (e.g., the position sensor 344) and output devices 601 (e.g., agauge at the helm). The processing system 610 loads and executes anexecutable program 622 from the memory system 620, accesses data 624stored within the memory system 620, and directs the propulsion device10 to operate as described in further detail below.

The processing system 610 may be implemented as a single microprocessoror other circuitry, or be distributed across multiple processing devicesor sub-systems that cooperate to execute the executable program 622 fromthe memory system 620. Non-limiting examples of the processing systeminclude general purpose central processing units, application specificprocessors, and logic devices. The memory system 620 may comprise anystorage media readable by the processing system 610 and capable ofstoring the executable program 622 and/or data 624.

In this manner, the position data from the position sensor 344 may notonly be used to provide feedback to the operator, but also be used tocontrol the propulsion device 10. For example, the control system 600may prevent the propulsor 160 from rotating the propeller 128 when theshaft 170 is in the stowed or locked positions. Likewise, the controlsystem 600 may use the data from the position sensor 344 to control theactuator of the actuator 280 to avoid over-extending or over-retractingthe rod 300 from the housing 290.

The functional block diagrams, operational sequences, and flow diagramsprovided in the Figures are representative of exemplary architectures,environments, and methodologies for performing novel aspects of thedisclosure. While, for purposes of simplicity of explanation, themethodologies included herein may be in the form of a functionaldiagram, operational sequence, or flow diagram, and may be described asa series of acts, it is to be understood and appreciated that themethodologies are not limited by the order of acts, as some acts may, inaccordance therewith, occur in a different order and/or concurrentlywith other acts from that shown and described herein. For example, thoseskilled in the art will understand and appreciate that a methodology canalternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states orevents, such as in a state diagram. Moreover, not all acts illustratedin a methodology may be required for a novel implementation.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to make and use the invention. Certain terms have been used forbrevity, clarity, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are tobe inferred therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art becausesuch terms are used for descriptive purposes only and are intended to bebroadly construed. The patentable scope of the invention is defined bythe claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled inthe art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of theclaims if they have features or structural elements that do not differfrom the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalentfeatures or structural elements with insubstantial differences from theliteral languages of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for supporting a propulsor on a marinevessel, the device comprising: a base that is fixable to the marinevessel; a pivot arm for coupling the propulsor to the base; an actuatorconfigured to pivot the pivot arm relative to the base into and betweena retracted position and a deployed position; and a fastener engageableto couple the actuator to the pivot arm, wherein when the fastener isengaged the pivot arm is prevented from pivoting other than by theactuator, and wherein applying a predetermined force on the pivot armdisengages the fastener to allow the pivot arm to pivot other than bythe actuator.
 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein an opening isdefined in the pivot arm, and wherein the fastener is received in theopening when engaged to couple the actuator to the pivot arm.
 3. Thedevice according to claim 2, wherein the fastener comprises a pincoupled to the actuator, wherein the pivot arm has upper and loweredges, and wherein the opening is open at the lower edge such that thepin is receivable in the opening when moved towards the upper edge frombelow the lower edge.
 4. The device according to claim 3, wherein thepin is retained in the opening in a press-fit arrangement when movedtoward the upper edge of the pivot arm.
 5. The device according to claim2, wherein the actuator is pivotally coupled to the base, furthercomprising an engagement arm pivotally coupled to the base, wherein thefastener coupled to the engagement arm to pivot therewith.
 6. The deviceaccording to claim 5, wherein the engagement arm is sandwiched betweenthe actuator and the pivot arm.
 7. The device according to claim 5,wherein the pivot arm is pivotally coupled to the base via an axle, andthe engagement arm is pivotally coupled to the base via the axle.
 8. Thedevice according to claim 5, wherein the base comprises a front platehaving side extensions extending rearwardly therefrom, and wherein thepivot arm and the engagement arm are each pivotally coupled to the sideextensions of the base.
 9. The device according to claim 1, wherein thepivot arm is a fork having a neck and opposing fork segments, andwherein the actuator is positioned between the opposing fork segments.10. The device according to claim 10, wherein the opening in the pivotarm is two openings defined in the opposing fork segments, and whereinthe fastener is two fasteners that are simultaneously receivable in thetwo openings to couple the pivot arm to the actuator.
 11. The deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the actuator is extendable within a plane,and wherein the propulsor is configured to generate propulsion in aport-starboard direction that is perpendicular to the plane.
 12. Thedevice according to claim 11, wherein a shaft couples the propulsor tothe pivot arm, and wherein the shaft moves within the plane while movingthe pivot arm between the stowed and deployed positions.
 13. The deviceaccording to claim 1, further comprising a secondary arm that couplesthe propulsor to the base, wherein the pivot arm and the secondary armremain substantially parallel while moving the pivot arm between thestowed and deployed positions.
 14. The device according to claim 1,wherein the pivot arm is further movable into a locked position that isbeyond the stowed position when moving from the deployed position,further comprising a detent engageable between the pivot arm and thebase, wherein the detent is disengaged when the pivot arm is in thedeployed position and engages to resist moving the pivot arm from thestowed position to the locked position.
 15. The device according toclaim 1, further comprising a lock engageable to prevent the pivot armfrom pivoting relative to the base.
 16. The device according to claim15, further comprising a secondary arm that pivotally couples thepropulsor to the base, wherein a lock opening is defined in at least oneof the pivot arm, the secondary arm, and the base, and wherein the lockcomprises a pin receivable in the lock opening to prevent the pivot armfrom pivoting relative to the base.
 17. The device according to claim16, wherein the pivot arm is further movable into a locked position thatis beyond the stowed position when moving from the deployed position,and wherein the pin is received in the lock opening when the pivot armis in the locked position.
 18. The device according to claim 17, whereinthe pin is biased to be automatically received into the lock openingwhen the pivot arm is rotated into the locked position.
 19. A method formaking a device for supporting a propulsor on a marine vessel, themethod comprising: configuring a base for coupling to the marine vessel;pivotally coupling the propulsor to the base via a pivot arm; couplingan actuator to pivot the pivot arm relative to the base into and betweena stowed position and a deployed position; and positioning a fastener tobe engageable to couple the actuator to the pivot arm, wherein when thefastener is engaged the pivot arm is prevented from pivoting other thanby the actuator, and wherein applying a predetermined force on the pivotarm disengages the fastener to allow the pivot arm to pivot other thanby the actuator.
 20. A device for supporting a propulsor on a marinevessel, the device comprising: a base that is fixable to the marinevessel, the base defining an axle opening therein; an axle configured tobe received in the axle opening of the base; two forks each extendingbetween a neck and opposing fork segments, wherein one of the two forksis an actuation fork, and wherein the opposing fork segments of theactuation fork are pivotally coupled to the base via the axle, whereinthe opposing fork segments of the actuator fork each have upper andlower edges, and wherein an opening is defined through each of theopposing fork segments that is open at the lower edges correspondingthereto; a shaft with a propulsor configured thereto, wherein the shaftis movable into and between a locked and a deployed position with astowed position therebetween, and wherein the propulsor is configured topropel the marine vessel in water when the shaft is in the deployedposition; an actuator pivotally coupled to the base, wherein theactuator is a linear actuator, and wherein the engagement arm issandwiched between the opposing fork segments and the actuator; opposingengagement arms pivotally coupled to the base via the axle, the opposingengagement arms also being pivotally coupled to the actuator; and afastener engageable to couple the actuator to the actuation fork,wherein when the fastener is engaged the actuator prevents the shaftfrom being moved manually, and wherein applying a predetermined force onthe shaft disengages the fastener to allow the shaft to be movedmanually.